Austin Williams Signs with Cumberland University
One more prepster is joining the Men’s Golf roster at Cumberland University this fall.
Austin Williams has signed a scholarship offer to play golf in nearby Lebanon, TN.
Williams was a two time District Player of the Year while competing for MCHS and was a member of the 2012 Tiger squad that captured the first team title in school history. He also finished 7th in the state in 2012.
MCHS Coach Beverly Shoulders said, “I wasn’t sure when Austin was a freshman if he had the mental discipline to succeed in this game. Boy, he has come a long way.” Shoulders also said that Williams has developed into one her favorite players to coach. “Golf has been good for Austin and I know he will be able to compete and succeed at the next level.”
Cumberland is a four year liberal arts school which was founded in 1843 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The University is located in nearby Lebanon, TN and this will be the fourth year in which Macon County student-athletes have been offered an athletic scholarship from this fine school. Cordell Hull, Secretary of State under FDR, and Baltimore Oriole 1st Round Draft pick Chris Smith are notable alumni.
Cumberland competes in the Mid-South Conference in the Western Division. They play in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) which is made up of smaller colleges and universities across the United States.
CU Men’s Golf Coach Richard Williams is pleased to have Austin as a signee. “We were immediately drawn to his tenacity, because there is no ‘giving up’ in Austin.” Coach Williams indicated that he was impressed with Austin’s scores throughout his prep career.
In Austin’s growth as a golfer, he understands what it takes to succeed. “I love playing a sport that I can enjoy the rest of my life.” When asked how he handles the pressure of a four foot putt to win or tie a match for his team he said, “You have to concentrate and that’s when golf is the best!” Austin credits his grandfather, Larry Dale Driver, as being one of the biggest influences on his game. “He is the reason I started playing this sport. He has taught me so much about golf and everything else.”
This fall when Austin enrolls, he hopes to pursue a degree in business management. His goals are to practice as hard as he can and help his team in whatever way possible.
“We knew that he wanted to go to school not too far away,” commented Anita Romine, Austin’s mom. “When he got the opportunity to see the campus and the smaller size of the CU Men’s team, he was excited.” “His whole family is so excited at the possibility of Austin contributing to the success of the team early in his career.”
Congratulations to Austin Williams, the newest member of Cumberland University’s Men’s Golf program. Macon County wishes you great success.
